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Former Leafs GM publicly stated on air that the team should trade Auston Matthews?

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Daniel Lucente
November 7, 2024  (2:34 PM)
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Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews seen during a game
Photo credit: AZCentral

Ex-Leaf GM Brian Burke didn't hold back comments on air, saying the Leafs should get rid of Auston Matthews, then chuckled. Was he joking, or hinting at something?

Without Auston Matthews in the lineup for a Tuesday-night takedown against the Boston Bruins, the Toronto Maple Leafs stepped onto the ice at Scotiabank Arena and delivered a dominating 4-0 victory. Powered by a brilliant performance from goaltender Anthony Stolarz, the Leafs captured their 36th win without star centreman Matthews in the lineup to move to 36-19-2.

Former Leafs GM Brian Burke joined the "Leafs Morning Take" podcast with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill, and on Wednesday, the topic came up about just how well Toronto seems to be doing when Matthews is out of the lineup. Never one to leave a quote unremembered, Burke joked regarding the Leafs' record, saying "get rid of him," before bursting out laughing. The comment pointed out the rare resiliency the team does show when Matthews is out of the lineup.

That is an excellent record without their star, as Burke revealed on the podcast because guys have stepped up in his absence. The realization by each guy of the need to elevate their games may be one attitude change in teammates that allows them to continue performing well without Matthews in the lineup.

Of course, Burke's comment was hopefully in a joking fashion to Leafs Nation, as he well knows the value Matthews brings. Just last season, after all, Matthews scored an astonishing 69 goals, which nobody in the league has done since Mario Lemieux was skating. The Leafs are not better sans Matthews, mind you, but they do seem to find that extra gear at such times, which makes fans of the team wish they could always find a way to play that way, even when their star captain is in the lineup.

Auston Matthews also has a chance of returning this weekend as the Leafs face off against the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens on back-to-back nights, however, he wasn't seen at practice today which led to further fears. If not, he'll most likely return by November 12 against the Ottawa Senators. The Leafs have shown they can thrive without him, but they'll need Matthews for a long season ahead.

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Former Leafs GM publicly stated on air that the team should trade Auston Matthews?

Do you think Brian Burke meant what he said or was he joking?

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